Tottenham XI vs Liverpool: Injury Woes Ahead of Carabao Cup Clash
Tottenham head to Anfield tonight stripped of two key names and with one high-profile exile still watching from afar, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side chase a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Sandro Tonali and Pedro Porro both miss the trip to Liverpool, deepening an already awkward injury situation for a Spurs squad still searching for rhythm after a disjointed pre-season. Richarlison, meanwhile, remains frozen out despite being eligible for the competition.
Spurs arrive on Merseyside desperate for a spark. Back-to-back 0-0 draws against Nottingham Forest and Everton have stalled early-season momentum, and this is a ground that has offered them nothing but frustration for 15 years. Not since 2011 have they left Anfield with a win in any competition.
The task was sizeable before the team news dropped. It looks even steeper now.
Double blow for De Zerbi
Tonali, one of the centrepieces of De Zerbi’s midfield, has been ruled out after picking up a minor knock in the draw with Everton. Porro, who also missed the weekend, continues to struggle with a muscular problem and sits this one out again.
De Zerbi did at least welcome back Destiny Udogie, who was left out against Everton as a precaution and returns straight to the starting XI on the left of the back four.
The Spurs head coach spelled it out in his pre-match press conference on Monday: there would be no late surprises on the injury front.
No, Kulusevski not available. Pedro is still not available. Udogie yes. Richarlison, you already know everything, nothing changed for the Carabao Cup or Premier League. The situation is the same.
Dejan Kulusevski remains a long-term absentee, still not ready to return, adding to a list that already includes Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Richarlison left at home
If the injuries are frustrating, the Richarlison saga is simply awkward.
The Brazilian pushed hard to leave Spurs in the summer and was omitted from the club’s Premier League squad once a move failed to materialise. Despite being free to play in the Carabao Cup, he has not been brought back into the fold.
De Zerbi confirmed Richarlison would not travel to Merseyside, underlining that nothing has changed in his situation across either competition. For now, the former Everton forward remains in limbo, watching a trip to his old rivals from a distance.
Rotation and a chance for youth
Spurs have rotated for the tie, with De Zerbi juggling the need for freshness, fitness and a result in one of the most unforgiving away fixtures in English football.
Martin Dubravka starts in goal. Tosin Adarabioyo is handed his first Tottenham start at centre-back. In midfield, Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher both come in, joining Rodrigo Bentancur in a three designed to cope with Liverpool’s intensity.
Up front, Mathys Tel starts off the left, with Mohammed Kudus operating in support and Omar Marmoush leading the line.
De Zerbi also hinted that academy winger Luca Williams-Barnett could be involved from the bench if the game state allows.
I don't know, Luca. We have to see because many players need to play. Maybe not 90 minutes, 90 minutes, but 30 minutes a real game is important. Yes, there is not Sandro Tonali. I forgot to say because he felt a knock.
Tottenham starting XI vs Liverpool
Tottenham XI: Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Gallagher; Kudus, Tel, Marmoush
Subs: Kinsky, Robertson, Van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Van de Ven, Davies
Injured: Simons, Odobert, Kulusevski, Tonali, Porro, Mudryk
Unavailable: Richarlison
Kick-off is at 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Anfield in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports and ITV4.
For a side chasing belief as much as a cup run, there are few harsher measuring sticks than Anfield under the lights.
